Thin, flexible protective firearm cover

ABSTRACT

A thin, flexible protective firearm cover is disclosed. The firearm cover can comprise a narrow barrel portion to receive and enclose a muzzle end of a firearm, a butt portion to receive and enclose a butt end of the firearm, and an intermediate portion between the barrel portion and the butt portion. The intermediate portion can have a size-adjustable opening that flexibly expands to allow the firearm to pass through. Reducing the size of the opening draws the butt portion and the barrel portion toward one another to secure the firearm cover about the firearm when the firearm is disposed in the cover. The firearm cover is thin and flexible to provide for compact storage of the firearm cover when the cover is not in use.

PRIORITY DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/936,397, filed Jul. 22, 2020, which is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/508,234, filed Jul. 10, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/919,200, filed Mar. 12, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/499,778, filed Apr. 27, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/040,131, filed Mar. 3, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/038,363, filed Mar. 1, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/309,347, filed on Mar. 1, 2010, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to protective cases and/or coverings for firearms. Accordingly, the present invention involves the mechanical arts field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gun cases that are used for storing guns, particularly those for shotguns and rifles, are traditionally made of bulky, heavy, semi-rigid material. The main purpose of such a gun case is to protect the gun against damage from an impact received during storage. However, such traditional gun cases can be cumbersome, particularly when a user takes the case out into the field. The weight and bulk of such cases can hinder a gun user's mobility both when the gun is inside the case and when the case is not needed and the gun is in use. Thus, while techniques currently exist to protect a gun, the present inventors have recognized a need for a gun cover that provides adequate protection while maximizing portability and reducing the burden of a gun cover in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a thin, flexible protective firearm cover. The present invention also provides a firearm protection system, associated with the cover. In one aspect, for example, a thin, flexible protective firearm cover is provided. Such a firearm cover can include a narrow barrel portion to receive and enclose a muzzle end of a firearm. The firearm can also include a butt portion to receive and enclose a butt end of the firearm. Additionally, the firearm cover can include an intermediate portion between the barrel portion and the butt portion, the intermediate portion having a size-adjustable opening that flexibly expands to allow passage of the firearm therethrough, wherein reducing the size of the opening draws the butt portion and the barrel portion toward one another to secure the firearm cover about the firearm when the firearm is disposed therein, the firearm cover being thin and flexible to provide for compact storage of the firearm cover when not in use.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a firearm protection system. The firearm protection system can comprise a thin, flexible cover. The cover can include a narrow barrel portion to receive and enclose a muzzle end of a firearm. The cover can also include a butt portion to receive and enclose a butt end of the firearm. In addition, the cover can include an intermediate portion between the barrel portion and the butt portion, the intermediate portion having a size-adjustable opening that flexibly expands to allow passage of the firearm therethrough, wherein reducing the size of the opening draws the butt portion and the barrel portion toward one another to secure the firearm cover about the firearm when the firearm is disposed therein, the firearm cover being thin and flexible to provide for compact storage of the firearm cover when not in use. Additionally, the firearm protection system can include a storage bag associated with the cover, the storage bag configured to receive the firearm cover in a compacted form for storage.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, various features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a firearm cover illustrating a firearm disposed in the firearm cover, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a firearm being disposed in the firearm cover of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a further illustration of a firearm being disposed in the firearm cover of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is yet a further illustration of a firearm being disposed in the firearm cover of FIG. 1, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the firearm cover of FIG. 1 disposed in a compacted storage configuration in a storage bag, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a firearm cover, in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the firearm cover of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a top view of the firearm cover of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a bottom view of the firearm cover of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4E is an end view of the firearm cover of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4F is an end view of the firearm cover of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4G illustrates a firearm being inserted into or removed from the firearm cover of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set forth below.

The terms gun and/or firearm shall refer to any type or style of gun, including, but not limited to, a rifle, a shotgun, a handgun, a muzzle-loaded projectile-firing weapon, and a breech-loaded projectile-firing weapon. Moreover, the terms gun and firearm shall further include any object that may be customarily attached to a rifle, a shotgun, a handgun, a muzzle and/or a breech-loaded projectile-firing weapon, including, but not limited to, an optical scope, ammunition, an ammunition clip, a carrying strap, a silencer and/or a holster.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and, “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a drain” includes reference to one or more of such drains.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a composition that is “substantially free of” particles would either completely lack particles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a composition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element may still actually contain such item as long as there is no measurable effect thereof.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.

The Invention

The present application relates to protective cases and/or coverings for firearms. In particular, embodiments of the present application include devices, systems, and methods for providing and using a thin, flexible, and compactable protective case or covering for a firearm. Protection of firearms is conveniently and effectively provided, for example, from the elements of rain and snow, and from excessive dust, moisture, and debris when traveling off-road on an ATV or other vehicle. The thin, flexible, and compactable nature of the firearm cover allows it to be conveniently carried and deployed when needed with a minimum of added weight or bulk.

Implementation in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure provides protection for the gun while it is being carried in the field. For example, when a hunter leaves his/her house or automobile, the hunter can carry his/her gun a great distance. Quite often, the weather that the hunter encounters during a hunting trip is inclement, or, while the hunter is far from his/her house or automobile, the weather turns inclement. Embodiments of the present disclosure allow for the hunter's gun to be conveniently and effectively protected from (rather than being exposed to) the elements of rain, snow, and dust. Similarly, when traveling off-road on an ATV or other vehicle, embodiments of the present disclosure allow for the hunter's gun to be conveniently and effectively protected from (rather than being exposed to) excessive dust, moisture and debris.

While the firearm cover of the present disclosure has proven to be particularly useful in the area of firearm protection, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the described devices, systems, and methods can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different areas of manufacture.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a representative embodiment of a thin, flexible protective firearm cover 10 is shown. Cover 10 generally comprises an elongated casing made of light, flexible material and capable of being folded or rolled into a small, compact packet or configuration for compact storage of the cover when not in use. The cover 10 can include a narrow barrel portion 20 at one end to receive and enclose a muzzle end 3 of a firearm 2. At another end, the cover 10 can include a butt portion 30 to receive and enclose a butt end 4 of the firearm 2. The narrow barrel portion can be narrower than the butt portion. Between the barrel portion 20 and the butt portion 30, the cover 10 can include an intermediate portion 40. The intermediate portion 40 can include a size-adjustable opening 42 that flexibly expands to allow the firearm 2 to pass therethrough. Reducing the size of the opening 42 can in some embodiments, draw the butt portion 30 and the barrel portion 20 toward one another to secure the firearm cover 10 about the firearm 2 when the firearm is disposed in the cover 10.

Cover 10 may be fabricated from any number of thin, flexible materials, for example from a textile such as a woven nylon. In one aspect, the cover utilizes a wind and/or water-repellent material. For example, materials such as Gore-Tex® fabric, or vinyl or sturdy canvas treated with a water repellant finish can be used. Other polymeric and fabric materials may be used as well. In certain aspects, the cover material is impermeable and/or repellant to dust, dirt, water, etc. The material can also include solids and/or various types of patterns, prints and colors to accommodate a use of the cover. For example, in one embodiment, a camouflage print material is used. In another embodiment, a bright, hazard or warning color fabric is used, such as safety or hunter orange. Although the cover material is thin, lightweight, and flexible, the material can also be sufficiently thick and/or have sufficient strength to protect the firearm against brush, branches or other potential objects that can scratch or abrade the firearm.

In some embodiments, cover 10 comprises a wedge shape such that a butt end or portion 30 comprises a wider profile that tapers toward a barrel end or portion 20 having a narrower profile. In other embodiments, barrel portion 20 is closed or otherwise sealed such that moisture and debris are prevented from entering an interior of the cover 10 through the barrel portion 20. In some other embodiments, cover 10 is constructed of a single piece of fabric, thereby minimizing the number of fabric panels and respective joining seams. Where joining seams are utilized, a seam tape or sealant compound can be applied to the seam to further prevent entrance of unwanted elements.

The closed nature of barrel portion 20 can provide a pocket for a barrel end of a firearm having dimensions to compatibly receive and substantially cover or otherwise store the barrel and, in certain embodiments, a front portion of a stock of the firearm. In one aspect, the barrel portion 20 can comprise up to about 50% of a length 12 of the firearm cover 10.

In some embodiments, the barrel portion 20 comprises a generic tapered shape to accommodate a variety of stock and/or barrel shapes, lengths, and diameters. In other embodiments, the barrel portion 20 comprises a fitted shape that approximates the size, shape, and length of a particular stock and/or barrel shape. In one aspect, the barrel portion 20 of the firearm cover is shaped to resemble the barrel of the firearm 2 and sized to fit closely to the barrel while allowing unencumbered insertion and removal of the barrel from the barrel portion 20. In a specific aspect, the intermediate portion 40 is sized and shaped to accommodate an optical scope 7 of the firearm 2. Such an accommodation for the scope 7 can result in an abrupt shape transition, such as a bulge, from the narrow barrel portion 20 to the intermediate portion 40.

When configured to accommodate a scope 7, the cover 10 can include features to allow the scope to be used while the firearm 2 is disposed in the cover. For example, the cover can include a scope opening (not shown) substantially matching the scope so that the scope can be used without removing the firearm from cover. Such a scope opening can be substantially the same length as the scope to expose the entire scope at once. In one aspect, the cover can include two scope openings, one for each optical end of the scope. In this way, only the ends of the scope need be exposed in order to use the scope, thus minimizing exposure of the rest of the scope and firearm. Optionally, the scope opening can be closed and secured with straps, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, a zipper, etc. In another aspect, the scope opening can be covered by a flap, which may or may not be secured in the same manner. In still another aspect, a cleaning cloth for the scope lenses can be attached to the cover in the vicinity of the opening of the scope, to allow convenient cleaning of the scope lenses while the firearm is disposed in the cover.

As mentioned above, the cover 10 includes a partially enclosed intermediate portion 40 having an opening 42 for insertion/removal of firearm 2. In some embodiments, opening 42 comprises an elongate aperture having dimensions to accommodate insertion of the firearm's stock, including butt end 4. Thus, insertion of firearm 2 into cover 10 is generally accomplished by initially inserting a muzzle end 3 of the barrel into the barrel portion 20 via opening 42 in the intermediate portion 40 (as shown in FIG. 2A). Once inserted into the barrel portion 20, the firearm 2 is moved in direction 70 relative to the cover 10 to insert the firearm 2 into the cover 10 sufficient to allow the butt portion 30 to fit over the butt end 4 (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The butt portion 30 can be moved in direction 72 relative to the firearm 2 to enlarge the opening 42 sufficient to fit over the butt end 4 of the firearm 2 (as shown in FIG. 2B). Once the opening is expanded past the butt end 4, the butt portion 30 of the cover 10 can be moved in direction 74 to enclose the butt end of the firearm (as shown in FIG. 2C). The size of the opening 42 can be reduced to move the butt portion 30 in direction 76 (as shown in FIG. 2C). In this way, the butt portion 30 and the barrel portion 20 can be drawn toward one another to secure the firearm cover 10 about the firearm 2 when the firearm is disposed in the cover 10.

The opening 42 can be any size sufficient to allow the firearm 2 to be disposed in the cover 10. As mentioned above, the opening 42 can be flexible to allow expansion and contraction to allow insertion and secure covering of the cover 10 about the firearm 2. In one aspect, the opening 42 in a fully expanded configuration can comprise up to about 90% of the length 12 of the firearm cover 10. In another aspect, the opening 42 in a fully expanded configuration can comprise up to about 75% of the length 12 of the firearm cover 10. In yet another aspect, the opening 42 in a fully expanded configuration can comprise up to about 50% of the length 12 of the firearm cover 10. In one aspect, the opening 42 in a fully contracted configuration can comprise at least about 5% of a length of the firearm cover 10. In another aspect, the opening 42 in a fully contracted configuration can comprise at least about 25% of a length of the firearm cover 10. In still another aspect, the opening 42 in a fully contracted configuration can comprise at least about 50% of a length of the firearm cover 10.

In yet another aspect, the opening 42 in a contracted configuration is sufficient to allow a carrying strap 5 of the firearm 2 to be accessible through the opening 42 for carrying the firearm while disposed in the cover 10. In other words, when the firearm is disposed in the cover 10, a sufficient space remains in the opening to allow use of the carrying strap 5 through the opening. In this way, the firearm can be carried in the usual manner with the strap 5 even when the firearm is disposed in the cover.

In a particular aspect, at least a portion of the opening 42 is adjacent to a trigger 6 of the firearm 2 when the firearm is disposed in the firearm cover 10. This can locate the opening 42 relative to a portion of the firearm that may be advantageously accessed while the firearm is disposed in the cover, such as to determine whether the firearm's safety is engaged or to access an ammunition clip.

The opening 42 can include certain features to allow expansion and contraction of the opening 42. In one aspect, the opening 42 can include a channel (not shown) for housing a drawstring 44 such as a cinching cord or gathering cord. In some embodiments, the drawstring 44 comprises an elastic cord, such as a shock cord. In other embodiments, the drawstring 44 comprises a static cord, such as a string or rope. Such drawstrings can create a larger or smaller opening with a cinching mechanism to secure the drawstring. The channel can be configured to substantially rim the opening 42 such that the opening 42 is substantially defined by the channel. When the opening 42 is at its largest size or greatest circumference, the drawstring 44 can be relaxed within the channel. The opening 42 can be closed by removing a portion of the drawstring 44 from the channel to cinch up the drawstring, thereby reducing the size of the opening 42.

In some embodiments, the opening 42 comprises an elastic band entirely enclosed within the channel, such that the user is unable to access the elastic band, but rather manipulates the opening 42 by stretching and releasing the elastic band within the channel.

In another aspect, an elastic material can be attached or sewn into the opening 42 as opposed to being disposed in the channel. In certain aspects, the opening can include other closure mechanisms, such as a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, hooks, buttons, snaps, toggle and loop, magnets, etc. Such closure mechanisms can be used alone or in any combination to open or close and/or to expand or contract the opening 42. In a specific aspect, such closure mechanisms can be used as secondary closure mechanisms to supplement a primary closure mechanism, such as a drawstring. For example, a drawstring can be used to create an opening 42 of a given size and the secondary closure mechanisms, such as a toggle and loop or magnets can be used to further close the opening 42 to provide additional coverage over the firearm at the opening 42. The secondary closure mechanisms can be quick and easy to engage or disengage and can enhance usability of the cover 10 by reducing use of the primary closure mechanism to size the opening 42 once a preferred opening size has been achieved, while providing the benefit of additional coverage at the opening.

When the opening 42 is reduced in size or contracted, the material of the cover 10 can be gathered around firearm 2. In the process of contracting, the material of cover 10 can become somewhat taut around the rigid form of firearm 2. Accordingly, the previously loose shape of the cover 10, particularly the intermediate portion 40 and the but portion 30, can take on a general structured shape relative to the shape of the firearm disposed within the cover 10. In this manner, cover 10 is capable of taking on the general shape of any gun or firearm placed therein. Additionally, cover 10 is capable of taking on the general shape of any gun accessory or device attached to firearm 2, such as a scope 7.

The tautness of cover 10, following contraction of opening 42, is beneficial in preventing pooling of water or collection of snow and dirt on the cover 10 during transportation or storage of the firearm. Upon contact with cover 10, water, snow and dirt may simply roll or slide off of the cover material thereby maintaining the integrity and cleanliness of the cover 10. The tautness of cover 10 further reduces the exposure of excess cover fabric or material that may become snagged by branches, thorns or other natural features commonly encountered in the field. Cover 10 can thus assist the user in preserving an undisclosed presence in the field.

In some embodiments, opening 42 of cover 10 is prevented from complete closure. As such, following contraction, the opening 42 may still be of a substantial size. This substantial opening may be desirable for the use of cover 10 with firearms having a shoulder strap 5, as discussed above. Substantial opening 42 may then be used to provide external access for shoulder strap 5. Thus, firearm 2 may be enclosed securely within cover 10 while shoulder strap 5 remains positioned external to cover 10 and readily available for use.

Thus, in certain aspects, when a substantial opening is to be maintained, the cover 10 can include a thin, flexible flap 60 disposed adjacent to the opening 42, and in some aspects, attached inside the cover adjacent to the opening. The flap 60 can be sufficient to substantially cover the opening 42 over the firearm 2 to minimize exposure of the firearm through the opening while allowing access through the opening for the shoulder strap 5, for example. In one aspect, the flap can substantially cover or close the opening by wrapping around the firearm 2 from one side to the other.

With a substantial opening 42, particularly without benefit of a flap 60, it may be possible for moisture to enter the cover 10 via the opening 42. Thus, in certain aspects, the cover 10 can include one or more drains 32 to allow water to exit the cover without accumulating to any significant degree. In a particular aspect, the drain can be located at the butt portion 30, since this is likely to be positioned at least as low as any other portion of the cover 10 during use.

In some embodiments an interior surface of cover 10 can further comprise a non-abrasive coating or liner (not shown) to further protect firearm 2, such as from abrasive interaction and/or damage. In some embodiments, a non-abrasive liner comprises a woven, natural fiber-based material. In other embodiments, a liner comprises a woven, synthetic-fiber material, such as fleece. Still further, in some embodiments a liner comprises a non-abrasive flocking material. One having skill in the art will appreciate that a liner may include any material selected to protect firearm 2 from abrasive interaction with cover 10.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the cover 10 can be included in a firearm protection system. As shown in FIG. 1, the firearm protection system can also include a storage bag 50. As shown in FIG. 3, the cover 10 can be compacted, such as by folding, rolling, and/or stuffing, and deposited in the storage bag 50 through an opening 56 of the storage bag 50. Once placed within storage bag 50, a drawstring or gathering cord 54 disposed about the opening 56 of the storage bag 50 can be cinched thereby reducing the circumference of the opening 56, and retaining cover 10 therein. Optionally, the opening 56 can be closed and secured with straps, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, a zipper, etc. In another aspect, the opening 56 can be covered by a flap (not shown), which may or may not be secured in the same manner. The storage bag flap can be configured to cover the opening 56 from outside the storage bag. On the other hand, the storage bag flap can be configured to cover the opening 56 from inside the storage bag, such as by being disposed between the compacted firearm cover and the opening 56. Thus, storage bag 50 and stored cover 10 can provide a relatively small package that is easily stored in a coat pocket or rucksack or attached to a belt or backpack.

Additionally, the storage bag 50 can also include a feature, such as a carabiner 58, for attaching the storage bag 50 to a desired attachment point, such as a belt loop or backpack. An attachment feature can include clips, rings, straps, bands, hooks, loops, a carabiner, or any other suitable attachment feature for a storage bag 50. In one aspect, a cleaning cloth (not shown) for the scope lenses can be attached to the storage bag 50, such as to an inside lip of the opening 56.

In certain aspects, the storage bag 50 can be provided as a separate component that is not attached to the cover 10. In certain other aspects, the storage bag 50 can be associated with the cover 10. For example, the storage bag 50 can be removably attachable to the cover 10, such as by a snap, strap, loop, carabiner, tabs, hook and loop fastener, clip, etc. In another example, the storage bag 50 can be permanently attached to the cover 10. As discussed herein, with regard to an attachment of the storage bag 50 to the cover 10, it is to be understood that such an attachment can be either removable or permanent and is only to be limited to one or the other when the context dictates such a limitation.

In one aspect, the storage bag 50 can be attached to the barrel portion 20 of the cover 10. In a specific aspect, the storage bag 50 can be attached to the muzzle end 22 of the barrel portion 20. In one example, illustrated in FIG. 1, the storage bag 50 is connected at the muzzle end 22 and is in a non-inverted configuration when the cover 10 is deployed out of the storage bag 50 for use. The storage bag 50 maintains the non-inverted configuration when the firearm 2 is disposed in the cover 10 and the muzzle end 3 of the firearm 2 extends into the storage bag 50. A non-inverted configuration of the storage bag 50 is a configuration oriented to properly receive the cover for compact storage. Also illustrated in the figure, is that the muzzle end 22 is attached to a bottom end 52 and inside of the storage bag 50. This can help maintain the storage bag 50 in a non-inverted configuration when the firearm 2 is disposed in the cover 10.

In some aspects, the cover 10 can be attached to the storage bag 50 at other locations inside the storage bag 50. For example, the cover 10 can be attached to a side seam or an inside lip of the opening 56 of the storage bag 50. Such attachment locations inside the storage bag 50 can allow the storage bag 50 to remain in a non-inverted configuration even when the attachment location on the cover 10 is larger than the opening 56 of the storage bag 50. For example, in this case, if a relatively wide portion of the cover 10, such as the butt end 30, is attached at the bottom of the storage bag 50, which has a relatively small opening 56, the storage bag may have to invert when the cover 10 is deployed for use. This is unlike an attachment of the bottom of the storage bag 50 to the cover 10 at a relatively small location, such as the muzzle end 22 of the cover 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, if the butt end of the cover 10 is attached along the inside lip of the opening 56 of the storage bag 10, then the storage bag may not need to invert when the cover is deployed for use.

In certain aspects, the storage bag 50 can be connected to the cover 10 at other locations of the cover and can be either inverted or non-inverted when the cover 10 is out of the storage bag 50 for use. For example, the storage bag 50 can be attached to the cover at any location on the butt portion 30, the intermediate portion 40, or the barrel portion 20. In certain other aspects, the storage bag 50 can be attached to an inside portion of the cover 10, such as at the butt portion 30, the intermediate portion 40, or the barrel portion 20. For example, an inside of the butt portion 30 of the cover 10 can be attached to an inside lip of the opening 56 of the storage bag 50. When the cover 10 is deployed for use, the storage bag 50 can be located inside the cover 10 at the butt portion 30 and in a non-inverted configuration. In another example, an inside of the butt portion 30 of the cover 10 can be attached to the bottom 52 inside the storage bag 50. When the cover 10 is deployed for use, the storage bag 50 can be located inside the cover 10 at the butt portion 30 and in an inverted configuration.

FIGS. 4A-4G illustrate various design aspects of the firearm cover of the present disclosure.

Of course, it is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible protective firearm cover, comprising: an elongated barrel portion operable to receive and enclose a barrel of the firearm, the barrel portion having a muzzle end portion at an end of the barrel portion; a butt portion operable to receive and enclose a butt end of the firearm; an intermediate portion between the barrel portion and the butt portion of the firearm cover, the intermediate portion having a size adjustable opening and having a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the barrel portion; and a storage bag attached to the muzzle end portion with an opening operable to surround and enclose the muzzle end portion such that the muzzle end of the firearm extends into the storage bag, wherein the firearm cover is attached to an interior portion of the storage bag at a point opposite the opening and the firearm cover can be retracted into the storage bag.
 2. The firearm cover of claim 1, wherein the storage bag has an interior volume operable to receive the entire firearm cover in a compacted form for storage.
 3. The firearm cover of claim 1, wherein the muzzle end of the barrel portion has a size configured to substantially match an interior size of the storage bag.
 4. The firearm cover of claim 3, wherein a muzzle end of the barrel portion is disposed in the storage bag and attached to a bottom end of the storage bag, such that when the firearm cover is deployed for use the storage bag is in a configuration to receive the firearm cover for compact storage.
 5. The firearm cover of claim 2, wherein the storage bag includes a drawstring about the opening of the bag.
 6. The firearm cover of claim 1, further comprising a thin, flexible flap disposed adjacent to the size adjustable opening, said flap having a size and shape sufficient to substantially close the size adjustable opening over the firearm.
 7. The firearm cover of claim 1, wherein the barrel portion comprises up to about 50% of a length of the firearm cover.
 8. The firearm cover of claim 1, wherein the size adjustable opening in a fully expanded configuration comprises up to about 90% of a length of the firearm cover.
 9. The firearm cover of claim 1, wherein the size adjustable opening in a fully contracted configuration comprises at least about 5% of a length of the firearm cover.
 10. The firearm cover of claim 1, wherein the size adjustable opening in a contracted configuration is sufficient to allow a carrying strap of the firearm to be accessible through the size-adjustable opening for carrying the firearm while disposed in the firearm cover.
 11. The firearm cover of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the size adjustable opening is adjacent to a trigger of the firearm when the firearm is disposed in the firearm cover.
 12. The firearm cover of claim 1, further comprising a drawstring about the size adjustable opening.
 13. The firearm cover of claim 12, wherein the drawstring is elastic.
 14. The firearm cover of claim 1, further comprising an elastic about the size adjustable opening.
 15. The firearm cover of claim 1, wherein the barrel portion is shaped to resemble the barrel of the firearm and sized to fit closely to the barrel while allowing unencumbered insertion and removal of the barrel from the barrel portion and the intermediate portion is sized and shaped to accommodate an optical scope of the firearm.
 16. The firearm cover of claim 1, wherein the firearm cover is constructed substantially of woven nylon.
 17. A firearm protection system, comprising: a thin, flexible firearm cover having: a barrel portion operable to receive and enclose a barrel of the firearm, the barrel portion having a muzzle end portion at an end of the barrel portion; a butt portion operable to receive and enclose a butt end of the firearm; and an intermediate portion between the narrow barrel portion and the butt portion of the firearm cover, the intermediate portion having a size adjustable opening and having a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the barrel portion; and an invertible storage bag operable for attachment to the muzzle end portion of the firearm cover along an interior portion of the storage bag, the invertible storage bag having an opening that surrounds and encloses the muzzle end portion such that the muzzle end of the firearm extending into the invertible storage bag, wherein the invertible storage bag is operable to receive the firearm cover in a compacted form for storage.
 18. The firearm protection system of claim 17, wherein the storage bag is removably attached to the firearm cover.
 19. The firearm protection system of claim 17, further comprising a thin, flexible flap disposed adjacent to the size adjustable opening, said flap being sufficient to substantially cover the size adjustable opening over the firearm.
 20. The firearm protection system of claim 17, further comprising at least one drain hole at the butt portion of the firearm cover. 